Another blog from my friend John Johnson, aka Youtuber "Yachtbuoy." This time, he compares a design approach from two boats he is familiar with and that have similar purposes, though, to be fair, they are of different sizes. The beautiful Arksen 85 and Vanguard, XPM-78.
The Arksen 85 and Vanguard XPM-78 stand out as leaders in their class when exploring the realm of high-performance explorer yachts. To be clear, these yachts are different in size, which should be remembered in the comparison.
The two hulls provide features that highlight the principles of good design while offering value at two price points. Designed in isolation, they are a real example of convergent thinking with great similarity. Their navigation systems exemplify thoughtful design and innovative engineering, catering to the demanding needs of modern seafarers.
The table enclosed discusses the equipment specifications of the two hulls that are split over several functions.
Shared Excellence in Navigation Systems
The installed equipment focuses on high-end Furuno equipment for GPS, Radar, AIS, Compass, and autopilot with compatible Airmar for other functions. Vanguard has duplicated the X-Band radar; consideration was given to an S-Band for better performance in the rain, but this was negated by the superb performance of the new X-Band solid-state Dopler Units from Furuno. Both yachts have large Multifunctional Displays (MFD) for the Helm and flybridge navigation stations. Each MFD array is also split between navigation running Time Zero Professional and engineering functions such as MIMIC displays to control the vessel and systems. Each MFD array also has multifunction capability, providing for full redundancy.
Both yachts have LED navigation lights that are compliant with COLREGS (IRPCS) and have pre-set light configurations. Horn functions are treated similarly, either through the MIMIC or dedicated panels.
Another shared feature is using the latest Furuno radar and GPS systems. The Arksen 85 and Vanguard rely on these industry-leading technologies to provide precise data, reinforcing their commitment to reliability. Such commonalities reflect the brands' focus on equipping their vessels with the best navigation tools, ensuring their owners' peace of mind.
Arksen 85 | Vanguard | |
Navigation Lights | ||
LED Nav Lights to requirements of IRPCS. | yes | yes |
A dedicated control panel for the navigation lights is fitted. | yes | yes |
Installed Equipment |
|
|
Furuno DRS6A-NXT open array radar antenna | 1 | 2 |
Furuno GP330B GPS antenna | 1 | 1 |
Furuno SC33 GPS compass | 1 | 1 |
Furuno PG700 Solid state rate gyroscope fluxgate compass | 1 | 1 |
Airmar DST810 Depth/Speed/Temperature transducer | 1 | 1 |
Airmar 520-5PSD depth transducer at stern | 1 | 1 |
Furuno FA-50 Class B AIS transponder | Class B | Class A |
24” HD Touchscreens for navigation system use | 2 | 3 |
24” HD Touchscreen for systems control and monitoring | 1 | 2 |
Furuno NP711C Autopilot control head | 1 | 2 |
Magnetic compass | 1 | N/A |
Dedicated navigation computer running Maxsea TimeZero | option | 2 |
W/Wide charts | option | yes |
Optionally, the navigation system can be upgraded with | ||
Additional radar | option | N/A |
Gyrocompass | option | N/A |
WASSP/Furuno (Sonar) | option | DFF3B |
Class A AIS, | option | 1 |
Furuno WX220 Weather Station | option | 1 |
Visible and IR wavelength gyro stabilised camera | option | 1 |
Communication systems | ||
VHF/DSC | 2xFuruno 4800 | 2xICOM 510 |
Furuno FS-1575 MF/HF | 1 | N/A |
Furuno Furuno Felcom 19 | 1 | 1 |
Sat C terminal | 1 | 1 |
Starlink | option | 1 |
Furuno NX300 Navtex at chart table | 1 | 1 |
Sailor 4300 Iridium Certus | 1 | 1 |
Yellowbrick YB3i tracker | 1 | 1 |
Pepwave MAX BR1 MK2 4G router Onboard Wi-Fi network | 1 | 1 |
Differentiated Equipment, Tailored for Performance
Despite the shared core functionalities, there are specific differences. Arksen 85 data was extracted from a sales brochure so that one could expect options at additional cost. Vanguard is owner-specified and includes some excellent navigation additions, specifically a Mil-Spec Infra-Red and visible light camera, Furuno DFF multibeam sonar, and TZ Worldwide chart package. These are expensive but useful additonals already included. Class A AIS gives greater visibility to third parties, but outside of that, maybe not so much quantifiable advantage (it's also a fag to set up).
Communication
This is a topic that has seen some significant advances since these hulls were specified. Specifically, Vanguard now uses Starlink for communications, making the Irridium Sailor system basically redundant. UK MCA Category (0) MGN 280 will require both HF and Satellite communications systems, so in this respect, the Arksen specification has an advantage as Vanguard has opted to class under Category (2). The
Both hulls probably have an underspecified Pepwave BR1 internet router; the larger model will provide additional ports for exterior communications and online third-party equipment tech support. A hard wire to the Starlink system is also useful for improving data speed. Both vessels are equipped with WIFI boosters to provide access throughout the hulls.
Value-Driven Design: Vanguard's Competitive Edge
While both yachts showcase outstanding design and innovation, Vanguard offers a unique balance of features and build cost. She is a smaller hull with a nearly identical navigation package and some very useful additional toys.
This thoughtful balancing of performance and cost makes the Vanguard an attractive option for budget-conscious explorers. It provides nearly equivalent functionality without compromising essential features, proving that quality design does not necessarily necessitate a price tag.
Conclusion
The Arksen 85 and Vanguard are benchmarks of excellent long-range explorer yacht design, combining safety, performance, and technology. However, Vanguard's ability to deliver comparable navigation tools at a reduced cost under the direction of her experienced owner illustrates the power of shrewd engineering choices.
Whether you prioritize uncompromising luxury or pragmatic value, these explorer yachts showcase what modern marine innovation can offer.
John Johnson - aka "Yachtbuoy".
Enclosed 2 video showing the individual vessels covered by John in previous months.